Help with run...

[Thepriceofbeauty]

Hey guys, we're getting close to finishing out our coop build. I'm looking for suggestions for what to fill in the run with.

We built the coop over an area that had previously been filled with lots of little rocks. Unfortunately the ground was impossible to dig into so we had to build up, to level out the structure. I was thinking of using fill dirt to bring the ground level with the base and then adding a thin layer of sand.

I've read numerous threads on the sand, pine shavings, or dirt options, but I'm just not sure what would work best for me in the particular situation.

I live in Colorado, where it is a fairly dry climate. And temperatures span from well below freezing- to a few weeks of 100°s in the summer time. I think at this point I would e more concerned about keeping my girls cool, than warm.

Any suggestions/ insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[aart]

2 suggestions.
Anti-dig apron:
Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

and deep-ish litter..doesn't need to be that deep, but a good mix of dry organic plant materials, in mixed sizes and shapes, like wood chips, dry leaves, etc...will 'eat' the poops and odors.


Here's a great description of contents and how to manage organic 'bedding' in a run or coop...and there's a great video of what it looks like.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1037998/muddy-run-help-please#post_16017992

 

[Alaskan]

I like aart's answer... I would have just said that I like sand because of the drainage. ..... ..... but his answer is better.